Vocational Training Automotive Mechatronics Programme in Japan

AHK Japan aims at providing a new platform for recruitment and education of high skilled mechatronics urgently needed in Japan to respond to the state-of-the-art technology of the next generation automobiles. Together with the German automotive importers, AHK Japan has spent years to develop the programme with the aim to fulfill the needs and interests of the importers and the Japanese market, as well as taking advantage of the experience of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) network. The programme has started in April 2024.

The partner companies for this pilot project are the German automobile importers BMW Group Japan and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (Daimler Truck Group). The theoretical training takes place at training partners in Tokyo and Kobe.

Partner Companies

BMW Group Japan

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation

Cooperation Partners

Mechanic College

Hanshin Institute of Technology

Programme in Japan

A specialized program is offered for trainees, which is based on the German curriculum and adapted specifically for the needs of the Japanese market. Participants in this program will develop extensive knowledge and skills pertinent to the automotive industry, including topics like autonomous driving and electric vehicles.

The training programme will consist of 70% of hands-on training at the car dealer company and 30% of theoretical education at a vocational school.

  • Trainees shall take 3 years training and all the necessary programmes will be obtained.
  • Upon successful completion of the programme, the trainee will be awarded a certificate from the Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).
  • After completing the programme, the trainee will become full-time employee at the dealer.

Advantages of the Programme

WIN for Dealership

  • Establish structured onsite training system
  • Retain talented employee
  • Lower employee turnover rate
  • New carrier path for experts (OJT Trainer)
  • Ausbildung Trainer Certificate (OJT Trainer)

WIN for College

  • Establish joint education system​with German car makers
  • Effective utilization of resources (human and facility)

WIN for Importer

  • Establish structured onsite training system
  • Improve service quality at dealership
  • Improve customer satisfaction

WIN for Trainee

  • Secure job through employment contract with dealer​
  • Structured onboarding program​me
  • Obtain latest technology and skills taught by experts
  • Obtain an official certificate issued based on German rules

Train the Trainer (AdA)

In the Germany's Vocational Training System, companies involved in the training are required to go through the "Train the Trainers (AdA - Ausbildung der Ausbilder International)" and get certified. This is an international standard course that provides in-company trainers pedagogical skills to train and communicate trainees effectively at OJTs. An experienced trainer from Germany leads the programme. The workshop is conducted in English, with translation provided into Japanese.